How to Start a Thrift Store Flipping Business
Starting a business that involves minimal costs by reselling thrift store items can be an excellent option. However, buying products at cheap prices alone doesn't guarantee profitability. To succeed, you need a well-thought-out strategy to ensure that your operations are effective.
In this article, we’ll provide a guide on how to resell these kinds of products effectively and share tips for a successful thrift store flipping venture to help turn your finds into profits.
What is Thrift Store Flipping?
Thrift store flipping involves buying items from local or online thrift stores and reselling them for a profit. These stores tend to have rare, vintage stuff, secondhand branded items, or trending products. The key advantage of this method is the minimal upfront investment due to the low prices of products, plus the potential for high margins if you find valuable pieces.
While it may not seem like a serious business opportunity at first glance, with the right strategy, thrifting can become a profitable venture. Success through thrift store reselling requires research, patience, and a keen eye for lucrative flips. Below, we share 10 of the most profitable categories of products to sell.
Table of contents
10 Ideas of What to Look For at Thrift Stores to Resell
Sourcing items from thrift stores is a great way to stay budget-friendly when starting your business. However, this alone doesn’t guarantee profitability. In order to make money, it’s important to choose in-demand items or those with high profit margins. Some of the most profitable categories known for their lucrative returns include:
Collectibles
Collectibles have strong appeal to dedicated collectors who are willing to pay a premium for unique or rare items. Many valuable pieces are donated to thrift stores, and may frequently get often overlooked by the average shopper. To make the most of this category, you need to study the collectibles market beforehand so you can spot hidden treasures and recognize items that hold significant value.
Clothes
Clothing is a daily necessity for a wide range of customers, making it a consistently in-demand category. Many people look for gently used items because they’re more affordable than buying new ones, especially when it comes to top brands. In order to stand out, focus on high-quality pieces that are in great condition, and always check each item carefully for any wear and tear.
Shoes & Handbags
Just like clothing, shoes and handbags are also everyday essentials that make up a popular category in the secondhand market. In 2024, these items represented 19% of secondhand purchases for shoes and 10% for handbags in the USA, according to Statista. When sourcing these products, it’s important to consider sizes, as rare or less common sizes may be harder to sell. Focus on trendy, high-demand styles in popular sizes to maximize your profitability.
Sports Equipment
Many people look for secondhand sports equipment, such as skis or bicycles, to save money while still getting quality gear. This market is steady because of the popular healthy lifestyle trend. Keep in mind that you need to ensure that all equipment is fully functional, as selling faulty items could lead to returns or claims. Sporting goods also tend to have higher price points, which allows for higher margins.
Jewelry
Secondhand jewelry is especially especially popular among women as it offers a more affordable way to stand out and express personal style. Thrift stores often carry unique pieces, including national-style jewelry or vintage items that are currently trending. In some cases, you might even find semi-precious materials, which can be highly valuable. Just remember that you may need to prove their authenticity to sell these items confidently.
Electronics
Most people keep their electronics for about five years, after which they often donate them to thrift stores to avoid contributing to e-waste. This creates an opportunity to resell items like smartphones at a high margin, as many buyers seek affordable devices. However, it's also necessary to test each item thoroughly to make sure it works properly, as faulty electronics can result in negative feedback.
Books
Books remain a popular and evergreen category, with readers always looking for fresh material. Thrift stores tend to offer a wide variety, from bestsellers to rare editions, giving you plenty of opportunities to find profitable items. You can also focus on niche markets, like textbooks, which are in high demand among students. Just be sure to check for any damage or missing pages before listing them for sale.
Baby Products
Baby items are always in demand, especially those used during the first year of life, as parents look for affordable options for their growing children. Focus on high-ticket items like baby feeding chairs, strollers, or baby tubs, which can offer higher margins due to their price. It’s smart to have these items professionally cleaned and provide a bill as proof to ensure that buyers feel confident in their purchase.
Furniture
People who rent apartments often look for affordable furniture options, which creates a steady demand for budget-friendly pieces. While these items may not always be as abundant in thrift stores, they can be worth sourcing due to the potential for high returns. Focus on well-maintained essentials like tables and chairs, as they are in constant demand.
Pet Supplies
Many pets have specific needs or preferences, leading buyers to items like pet beds, grooming tools, or food being gently used or even unused. Thrift stores can be a goldmine for finding these items at a low cost. You may also come across handmade pet clothes that have been donated as part of charity efforts, which can be resold for a profit.
While these categories can perform well, it’s important to remember that individual products within them may not always be the best fit for your business. It’s important to analyze them carefully before you buy items to ensure that you're making the right choices for your business.
Checking Whether an Item is Worth Reselling
To ensure that an item can bring you substantial profits and develop a solid selling strategy, you need to research the market. While there's no one-size-fits-all method for evaluating used items, Amazon is a great place to start, as this platform tends to reflect current trends and customer behavior. There are also tools designed specifically for Amazon sellers, making the process easy and more efficient.
One such tool is the AMZScout Online Arbitrage, Dropshipping, and Wholesale Extension, which can help you quickly assess the potential of goods for your thrift store flipping business. Here's how you can use it to streamline your research and boost your profitability:
1. Install the Amazon Dropshipping, Arbitrage, and Wholesale Extension.
2. Search for similar products. Type the name of any product you find in a thrift store into Amazon’s search bar and open the product page. 3. Gauge the demand. The extension provides estimated monthly sales, helping you determine whether the product is in high demand and worth reselling.
4. Check for selling limitations. If you plan to sell on marketplaces like Amazon or eBay, be sure to comply with platform rules, such as:
Gated categories: Some items, such as collectibles or branded products, may require approval or reseller certificates.
HAZMAT status: Items like electronics may be flagged as hazardous and require additional certifications.
![AMZScout dropshipping and online arbitrage extension]( "AMZScout dropshipping and online arbitrage extension")
![image]()
5. Calculate your potential profit. Enter all associated costs to estimate your earnings. Aim for a profit margin that allows you to cover expenses plus room for growth.
Note: To determine a competitive price, compare the current price of the item with other sellers’ offers (if available). To do this, go to the Amazon product listing and click on "Other Sellers on Amazon" to view additional offers. Since Amazon lists both new and used items, make sure to compare prices for the condition that matches yours.
If the idea seems promising, you can explore the product's potential in more detail using the PRO AI Extension. This tool shows how sales and prices have changed over time, and provides a more complete picture of similar products' performance.
These insights apply not only to Amazon but also to other resale platforms, as market trends and customer demand tend to be similar across different marketplaces.
By carefully selecting profitable items and making data-driven decisions, you can maximize your investment and build a sustainable thrift store reselling business.
Guide on How to Get into Reselling Thrift Store Items
Starting a thrift store reselling business may seem simple, but success requires a well-thought-out strategy. In this guide for beginners, we’ll briefly explain how to thrift efficiently. Let’s dive into the key steps to building a successful reselling business:
#1 Find a Thrift Store and Decide What to Sell
First, you need to find thrift stores where you can source products. Here are some effective ways to identify the best options:
Google Search: Simply search “thrift stores near me” to find nearby locations. Check reviews to see which ones have the best selection and prices.
Social media: Look for thrift store pages on Facebook or Instagram, and check local community WhatsApp groups where people share secondhand finds.
Churches and community centers: These places often have bulletin boards or websites with announcements about thrift stores and donation sales.
Online platforms: Explore Goodwill and other secondhand marketplaces to find stores and upcoming sales.
Note: Refer to the previous section for tips on selecting profitable products.
To increase your chances of finding valuable items, explore multiple sourcing methods instead of relying on just one. This will give you access to a wider range of products and better deals.
#2 Choose a Platform Where You Can Resell Your Things
When selling online, choosing the right platform is essential to support your business. Consider these factors:
Costs: Some platforms charge fees for listing items, while others may offer free listings or require payment based on sales.
Platform rules: Each marketplace has its own requirements, such as packaging standards or product category restrictions.
Technical skills: Some platforms may require sellers to have more technical expertise for setup and customization, while others are easier to use.
Streamlined services: Look for platforms that offer fulfillment services to handle logistics, which can save you time and effort.
Reach: Consider the size of the platform's audience. A larger marketplace may offer broader exposure, but a smaller, niche platform might be better suited for targeting specific customers.
Review each option to determine which one aligns best with your business needs and goals. Choosing the right platform will help you optimize your sales process and ensure that you reach the right customers effectively.
#3 Create High-Quality Listings
When crafting a listing for secondhand items, consider the following components to ensure that it resonates with customers:
Catchy title: A well-crafted title grabs buyers’ attention and encourages them to click on your product.
Clear description: Be honest and detailed in describing the item’s condition, including any defects, age, and wear.
Detailed photos: Be sure to highlight any imperfections so buyers know exactly what they’re getting.
Relevant keywords: Use keywords that are likely to be searched by potential buyers. This helps to improve the visibility of your listing among search results.
Price transparency: Clearly state the price, and if applicable, mention any potential discounts or shipping costs upfront.
After uploading your product, it's time to set up delivery to customers. Let’s review this process in the next section.
#4 Manage Shipping and Logistics
If you’re selling locally, you can deliver the products yourself, which offers greater control and flexibility. Alternatively, some marketplaces offer integrated shipping services, which can save you time and effort.
If these options are not available, you will need to manage delivery on your own. Here are factors to consider when choosing a shipping company:
Costs: Make sure the shipping fees are reasonable and check for any hidden charges.
Speed: Choose a company that offers quick delivery, as customers expect fast service.
Reliability: Ensure that the shipping company is trustworthy, especially when it comes to lost packages or delays.
Considering these factors will help you choose the best shipping partner and ensure a positive experience for your customers.
#5 Promote Your Online Business
In order to stand out among competitors, it's important to promote your business. Here are the top three ways to do this:
Social media: Build a strong presence across platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok to engage with potential customers and showcase your products.
Word of mouth: Share details about your business with friends, family, and acquaintances—personal recommendations can go a long way towards attracting new customers.
Collaborate with the local community: Partner with other local businesses to cross-promote your products and create mutually beneficial relationships.
You might need to experiment with different methods to help you understand what resonates with your customers. Consistency and creativity are key to building a loyal customer base and making a profit. Keep refining your approach as you grow, and over time, you’ll see your efforts pay off.
The Best Hacks for Thrift Store Reselling in 2025
Now that you're set to start a thrift store flipping business, here are some expert tips to help you work smarter and boost your profits. These strategies will help you streamline your process and ensure that you make the most of each find:
Plan your buying: Many thrift stores offer deeper discounts on certain days or receive new stock at specific times. By planning ahead, you can be among the first to snag the best items before they’re gone.
Focus on packaging: Your packaging should be both protective and attractive. Eco-friendly options are increasingly popular, so choosing sustainable packaging can be a win for your business.
Invest in great photos and videos: High-quality visuals are essential for attracting buyers. There are several apps that can help you make your photos look more polished and professional.
Inspect items: Always inspect the condition of each item before buying it to ensure that it’s in a resellable state. Use analytical tools to help you research product demand and potential, and calculate your potential profit margin to make informed decisions.
Negotiate discounts: If you plan on making bulk purchases, don't hesitate to negotiate with thrift store managers. Some stores offer discounts for larger orders, which can significantly boost your profitability.
By integrating these strategies, you can streamline your sourcing process, maximize your profits, and build a more successful flipping business. In time, you’ll develop a keen sense for what works best, allowing you to refine your approach and stay ahead of the competition.
FAQs
Can you tell me what to look for at Goodwill that I can resell?
One sourcing strategy at Goodwill is focusing on popular categories like clothes to ensure steady demand. Alternatively, you can target niche products to reduce competition because these items typically have fewer sellers, making it easier to stand out and capture a dedicated customer base. Always check for quality and condition before purchasing a product to ensure that you're offering value to potential buyers.
Is thrift store flipping ethical?
Thrift store flipping as a sourcing model can be considered ethical because it provides an alternative to fast fashion by giving secondhand items a new purpose. By reselling pre-loved products, sellers help to reduce waste and support local charities, as many thrift stores are nonprofit organizations that use proceeds for social causes.
Is flipping thrift store items worth it?
Thrifting can be worth it if you set up your process correctly. The key is to select products carefully that offer a good profit margin and to implement effective marketing strategies. According to statistics, on average, sellers can make $300–$500 in profits during their first couple of months of selling.
How much money can you make reselling thrift store items?
The revenue you can make will vary depending on many factors, but on average, a thrift store flipping side hustle can bring in $500–$1,000/ month. Success often depends on selecting profitable items and marketing them efficiently. Using analytical tools like AMZScout can help you identify profitable things to resell, and develop effective pricing and advertising strategies to maximize your sales.
Conclusion
To maximize your profits when sourcing secondhand items at low prices, it's crucial to select the right products for your store. Consider using the AMZScout toolkit to help you identify the best products for resale. This approach helps you maximize returns on your investments and sets the foundation for long-term success.
